Why in the News?
The Bengal Florican, a rare grassland bird, is facing severe population decline, with fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining worldwide due to shrinking floodplain grasslands.
About Bengal Florican
- Scientific Name: Houbaropsis bengalensis
- Type: Bustard species
- Habitat:
- Alluvial floodplain grasslands
- Gangetic Brahmaputra plains
Grass species in habitat:
- Imperata cylindrica
- Saccharum spontaneum
- Saccharum bengalense
- Desmostachya bipinnata
Unique Behaviour
- Male performs vertical jumps
- Displays wing movements and vocal calls
- Known as Lekking behaviour
- Multiple males display together
- Attract females
Local Names:
- Assamese: Ulu mora
- Bodo: Daotriling
Distribution
India
Major strongholds:
- Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh)
- Manas National Park (Assam)
- Kaziranga National Park
- Orang National Park
- Dibru Saikhowa National Park
- Majuli river islands
- Arunachal Pradesh grasslands
Outside India
- Nepal
- Cambodia (Tonle Sap floodplain)
Why Bengal Florican is Important
- Indicator species for grassland ecosystem
- Flagship species for South Asian grasslands
- Helps maintain ecological balance
| [2020] With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? 1 It is spread over two districts. 2 There is no human habitation inside the Park. 3 It is one of the natural habitats of Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
